Many countries are closing their embassies in Haiti

Several countries have announced the temporary closure of their embassies in Port-au-Prince over security concerns, and demonstrations have taken place in several Haitian cities after the end of government aid over energy.

The diplomatic headquarters of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, said in a brief statement Thursday that it was closing its “doors to the public until further notice” due to the “deteriorating situation” in the neighborhood. the country

“Our telephone lines and our social networks remain open,” added the Dominican delegation in Port-au-Prince.

The Canadian Embassy has also announced its closure from Thursday. Mexico indicated on Tuesday that it would be closed “until further notice”, while the Spanish embassy took similar measures on Wednesday.

Haiti’s major cities have been paralyzed by demonstrations in response to the lifting of government subsidies on fuel in a country plagued by extreme poverty. Many roads were blocked, public transport was suspended and many shops and businesses were closed for fear of looting.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced that gasoline and other fuel prices would rise sharply, saying the state lacked the funds to continue government subsidies.

Diesel and kerosene prices will almost double from around 350 gourds (2.9 euros) to around 670 gourds (5.5 euros).

“Funding to sustain imports of petroleum products is 9 billion gourds per month, twice the monthly state payroll,” the Ministry of Communications defended on Twitter.

He added that the receipts registered at customs were not enough to pay subsidies on petroleum products.

The announcement sparked the anger of a population already tested by insecurity and poverty, which depends on the fuel for transport, but also for electricity or cooking.

The Dominican Embassy advised its nationals in Haiti to “exercise caution, limit travel and pack basic necessities such as food and medicine where possible.”

Relations between the Dominican Republic and Haiti have been strained, particularly over the migration issue.